Trends of 1986

Discover what was popular and trending in 1986

Popular Baby Names
Michael & Jessica

Most Popular Names

Top boys name: Michael, Top girls name: Jessica

Late 20th century trends; Jennifer, Jessica, Ashley, and Michael were cultural staples

Most Popular Book
It

by Stephen King

Late 20th century novel with cultural resonance

Popular Gadget
Laptop Computer

Early portables like IBM PC Convertible

Late 20th century digital revolution and computing

Most Popular Movie
Top Gun

by Tony Scott

Blockbuster or culturally defining film of the late 20th century

US President
Ronald Reagan

Republican Party

Reaganomics, Cold War escalation then thaw, end of Cold War

Most Popular Song
That’s What Friends Are For

by Dionne Warwick & Friends

Billboard Hot 100 year-end #1 hit

Dow Jones Close
$1895.95

Year-End Close

+23% from previous year

Reagan/Clinton bull market

Most Popular Toy
Laser Tag

Electronic tag game with toy guns